22 December 2011: The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has published national technology roadmaps for wind power, smart grids, and electric vehicles using International Energy Agency (IEA) methodologies.

J. Owen Lewis, Chief Executive of SEAI, said the roadmaps “show a great many benefits, including reduced energy imports leading to increased security of supply, increased use of renewables leading to lower CO2 emissions and significant employment and economic opportunities.” Specifically, the roadmaps found that: the emission 250 million energy-related tons of CO2 can be avoided by 2050 through smart grids; transport fuel imports could be reduced by 50% by 2050 compared with 2011, saving 800,000 tons of petroleum annually; and onshore and offshore wind energy could abate 400-450,000 tons of CO2 by 2050. [IEA Press Release] [SEAI Press Release]